The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy, formed in 1984, is the realization of a dream which began as The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble, under the direction of its conductor, Alfred J. D'Souza. In a short while, the dedication, drive and enthusiasm of its managing committee and members helped it to expand it to a fully registered cultural academy, which encompasses the promotion of music, dance and drama, and has left an indelible mark on the Mumbai music scene.
The performances of The Stop-Gaps and its effort at fostering and promoting international music have been lauded by both, press and public. Its repertoire ranges from serious classical to effervescent jazz and pop. Not only has the generation gap been bridged, but religious, economic and social barriers have also been broken down through song.
The group consists of highly placed professionals such as, doctors, lawyers, businessmen, school and college students, as well as people in service and retired persons, with an age span of 16 to 70 years and over, belonging to different faiths and communities – Hindus, Muslims, Parsees and Christians, from various regions in India.
Having established its credentials on the Mumbai music scene with its thematic and wide variety of programmes, The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble went on to enthrall audiences in France and Belgium in May, 1995. It was the first-ever Indian choral group to be invited and selected to participate in the Festival International de Chant Choral de Nancy, France, a singular honour further compounded by several encores, standing ovations, critical acclaim and rave reviews, that did India proud. It was also invited to perform in Israel in December, 1998 at the closing celebrations of Israel's 50th anniversary of Independence, proving again to be a hot favourite in concerts at Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth. The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble was again invited to perform at the Festival International de Chant Choral de Nancy, France from in May, 2002. The highlight, of this trip abroad, however, was singing at the special Papal Audience on 15th May, 2002 at the Vatican, at which the Ensemble was specially requested to sing the world's most popular song 'Happy Birthday' for the Pontiff, who closed 82 years three days later. It was joined by a record 25,000 audience in St. Peter's Square, the event being televised and broadcasted to the whole world. In July 2004, the Ensemble toured Germany singing in Stuttgart at the invitation of the Mayor of Stuttgart, and winning two Silver Medals in the Popular Music and Scenic Folklore categories at the 3rd Choir Olympics 2004 held in Bremen. They also gave two concerts at the historic Kaiser-Wilheim Gedachtniskirche in Berlin. In July 2006, The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble was the first Indian choir ever to sing in China, participating in the 4th World Choir Games – 2006 (Choir Olympics) held in Xiamen, winning one bronze and two silver medals.
As it enters its 25th year, The Stop-Gaps has just had the privilege to be one of only six choirs from across the globe to be selected after stringent review to participate in the prestigious 7th Choir Competition at Elsenfeld, Miltenberg Germany (10th July – 14th July, 2008) – an immensely edifying way to usher in its Silver Jubilee! It will be the first time that an Indian choir has been admitted to this competition, and that too, representing Asia.
Since 1989, The Stop-Gaps, in association with The National Centre for the Performing Arts, founded an annual 'Young Talent' series of concerts, which have proved very successful in providing a concert platform for talented young artistes from all over India, many of whom are today pursing their musical careers in reputed conservatories abroad.
Thanks to the initiative of the Stop-Gaps, many Indian choirs have been exposed to discerning and appreciative Mumbai audiences, through the ever popular Festival of Festive Music held every December in association with the National Centre for the Performing Arts at the prestigious Tata Theatre. Through this the choirs have found themselves listed with The International Federation of Choirs, which enables them to receive information about invitations to choir festivals and competitions abroad.
The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy also presents artistes from abroad, organizes workshops in association with other choirs, conductors and organizations, and has instituted an annual award for a musician who has contributed significantly and consistently to the cause of western music in Mumbai.
Last, but not the least, The Stop-Gaps is an organisation with a heart, having organized and performed, free of charge, concerts to support several charities such as Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, The Army Central Welfare Fund for victims of the Kargil Conflict, the St Vincent de Paul's AIDS Hospice, Mobile Creches and the DCW's Senior Citizens Home.
Through international exposure, The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble endeavour to live up to their motto of 'BRIDGING THE WORLD WITH SONG'